Will Roper, the U.S. Air Force’s acquisition chief and a 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, said he is working with the Department of Defense to identify space firms impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, SpaceNews reported Wednesday.
Roper, who serves as the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, told attendees at a video conference that the Space Acquisition Council is assessing the current situation of the space industry and will determine potential forms of assistance to suppliers.
“When we get the results back, it’ll help us put out a unified message to Congress, to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and others about where to take actions,” he said.
The council, which also includes representatives from the National Reconnaissance Office, held an emergency meeting this week to discuss potential actions and decided to release a survey focused on the space industrial base.
Roper noted that among the industry areas weakened by the pandemic are microelectronics, small launch services and satellite components.
